Local GOP encourages rejection of Marsy’s Law amendment

HIAWASSEE, Ga. – Towns County Republican Party took to social media in an attempt to persuade against “yes” votes on ballot amendments, including “Marsy’s Law.” Towns GOP Chair Betsy Young shared a letter attributed to Georgia resident Dottie McIntosh Honea, addressed to family and friends.

Towns County GOP Chair Betsy Young

“Amendments are hard to read and written that way on purpose,” Young stated, later adding, “I almost always vote against all amendments.”

While Honea’s letter included opposition to a taxation amendment, the initial segment focused on the crime victim portion of November’s ballot.

“One Amendment (#4) so-called Marcy’s (sic) Law is particularly ambiguous. The TV ad supporting this amendment is compelling; a victim stating her abuser was let out of prison and she was not notified. She begs the TV audience to help the victim by voting in favor of this amendment. Who wouldn’t want the victim to be helped?,” Honea wrote, “But when the Amendment is read carefully, you will note that it states ‘…the Constitution shall be amended so as to provide ‘certain rights’ to victims against whom a crime has allegedly been perpetrated and allow victims to assert such rights.'”

Honea continued on to assert that the ‘certain rights’ to be granted to crime victims are vague, without clear assurance of notification when a perpetrator is released from prison.

“The victim can assert such rights….what rights? Certain ones? What are they referring to? Will it be left up to a judge to decide what ‘certain rights’ the victim has? No guarantee of being notified of anything. Please do not vote in favor of changing our state Constitution to contain something so non-specific as Amendment #4…’Marcy’s (sic) Law.’ This Amendment will not help Marcy, or you, at all,” Honea concludes.

National opponents of the crime victim amendment warn “Marsy’s Law” could undermine due process.

“Since 2008, a national campaign entitled “Marsy’s Law” has sought to enshrine in state constitutions a specific and lengthy set of victims’ rights,” ACLU Policy Director of New Hampshire Jeanne Hruska stated earlier this year, “Funded by California billionaire Henry Nicholas, the campaign’s goal is to lock its formula into every state constitution and then to amend the U.S. Constitution to include similar victims’ rights. Though well intended, the Marsy’s Law formula is poorly drafted and is a threat to existing constitutional rights. Victims’ rights are not rights against the state. Instead, they are rights against another individual. The Marsy’s Law formula includes the rights to restitution, to reasonable protection, and to refuse depositions and discovery requests, all of which are enforced against the defendant. Such rights do nothing to check the power of the government. In fact, many of the provisions in Marsy’s Law could actually strengthen the state’s hand against a defendant, undermining a bedrock principle of our legal system — the presumption of innocence.

As of April 2018, five states had adopted Marsy’s Law, including California, Ohio, Illinois, North Dakota, and South Dakota. Montana passed Marsy’s Law, although it was later ruled unconstitutional, and subsequently, overturned.

Georgia joins Nevada, Oklahoma, and Kentucky in voting on the crime victim amendment on the Nov. 6 ballot.

Fetch Your News is a hyper local news outlet, attracting over 300,000 page views and 3.5 million impressions per month in Towns, Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Union, and Murray counties, as well as Cherokee County in N.C. – FYNTV attracts approximately 15,000 viewers per week, and reaches between 15,000 to 60,000 per week on our Facebook page. – For the most effective, least expensive local advertising, dial 706-276-6397 or email us at advertise@FetchYourNews.com

“Red Wave” rally draws solid turnout for Towns County GOP

HIAWASSEE, Ga. – While early voter turnout was especially strong in North Georgia throughout the first week of the 2018 General Election, state and local Republican leaders echoed the importance of encouraging friends and family to cast ballots during a Towns County “Get Out The Vote” rally Thursday, Oct. 18 .

A sizeable crowd of constituents attended the town hall meeting, orchestrated by Towns County GOP Chairwoman Betsy Young, and Republican member Donna Barrow.

“We all know that after watching the Kavanaugh hearings, and the things that were going on, it’s very scary, and we have to get out the vote..,” Young urged, “We’re speaking to the choir here, we know that, but we want you to reach out.”

Towns County High School Commissioner Seth Fullerton introduced Colonel Dale Sissell, an author and two-time Purple Heart recipient, to lead in the Pledge of Allegiance. Towns County High School student and vocalist Summer Rahn sang “God Bless America,” followed by the National Anthem.

Towns County Sole Commissioner Cliff Bradshaw served as Master of Ceremonies, opening the meeting by reciting words attributed to former President Ronald Reagan.

Towns County GOP plans Red Wave Rally leading into November election

HIAWASSEE, Ga. – As the November General Election draws near, Towns County Republican Party has planned a GOTV (“Get out the Vote”) event in an effort to encourage voter participation at the local polls. The rally will be held on Thursday, Oct. 18, at 6 p.m. at the Towns County Civic Center, located adjacent to the Towns County Courthouse.

Courtesy of Towns County GOP – Click image to enlarge

Several politicial figures, including State Senator John Wilkinson, State Senator Steve Gooch, and State Representative Matt Gurtler, are scheduled to attend. Others, such as Congressman Doug Collins, are slated to appear via Skype. Gubernatorial candidate Brian Kemp, Secretary of State candidate Brad Raffensperger, and Attorney General incumbent Chris Carr will be represented by surrogate or video. Additional dignitaries and candidates have been invited, and the list continues to grow with each passing day.

Summer Rahn is scheduled to perform the National Anthem, with local Boy Scouts leading the recitement of the Pledge of Allegiance at the commencement of the event. Cake and coffee will be served once the rally concludes with attendees singing “God Bless America.”

Yard signs in support of Republican candidates will be available.

Towns County Republican Chair Betsy Young requests for attendees to RSVP by dialing 904-382-1912 or emailing Chair@TownsCoGAGOP.org

Local Republicans concerned apathy may turn Georgia blue in November

HIAWASSEE, Ga. – An echoing theme from Towns County GOP Chair Betsy Young, along with Party members in recent months, has been dire concern that voter apathy could shock local Republicans this coming November. “If this is all we’ve got, we’re in trouble,” Young said on Thursday night, referencing the slight attendance at the monthly Towns County GOP meetings, “People seem to think that because (Stacey Abrams) is black and a woman, that she could never become the Governor of Georgia. I fear Republicans will stay home in November. The voters in Atlanta alone can determine who wins this race. We cannot become complacent.”

Recent Towns County GOP social media post

Democratic candidate Stacey Abrams is facing Republican candidate Brian Kemp for the Governor’s seat in the General Election on Tuesday, Nov. 6. Tauted as a “progressive champion” by supporters, Abrams is on a mission to win, battling conservative Kemp each step of the way.

Young may harbor a valid point if the lack of voting trend continues. The May Primary Election beckoned a mere 21.6 percent of Towns County’s registered voters to the polls. While the county is composed of roughly 80 percent Republican voters – and if Towns is an indicator of statewide placidity – widespread Republican disregard could potentially swing the election in Abrams’ favor, turning Georgia from red to blue in November.

Towns County GOP meets at 6 p.m. on the third Thursday of each month at the Towns County Civic Center in Hiawassee.

Fetch Your News is a hyper local news outlet that attracts more than 300,000 page views and 3.5 million impressions per month in Towns, Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Union, and Murray counties as well as Cherokee County in N.C. – FYNTV attracts approximately 15,000 viewers per week and reaches between 15,000 to 60,000 per week on our Facebook page. – For the most effective, least expensive local advertising, call 706-276-6397 or email us at advertise@FetchYourNews.com

Tea Party, GOP Chairs warn local Republic of political insurgency

Feature Photo: Towns/Union County Tea Party Chair Chuck Luca with Towns County GOP Chair Betsy Young

HIAWASSEE, Ga. – Towns and Union County Tea Party has publicly proclaimed that the nation is under political siege by numerous domestic insurgency groups, whom under the umbrella of the Collective Left seek to supplant the Constitutional Republic with Socialist tyranny.

Towns and Union Tea Party Chairman Chuck Luca announced an upcoming workshop and discussion forum, presented by James R. Bolton Jr., a United States Marine Corps veteran who served with a Special Operations unit, tasked with counter-insurgency operations overseas.

Bolton has dedicated the past two decades to movement building, directed toward confrontation with political subversives and their agendas.

“Believe me, it’s happening right here in this area,” Luca told a room packed with citizens during the announcement segment of Friday’s Movers & Shakers meeting at Sundance Grill in Hiawassee.

“I believe that the key to regaining traditional political prowess in America, as liberty-loving and God-fearing people, is in learning to employ real Modern Counter Insurgency skills at the civil level as all insurgencies are aimed at populations,” Bolton, who asserts he has extensively studied worldwide foreign and domestic political movements, writes, “Social change creates political results. The fact is inarguable.”

Topics will include the modern era of political insurgency, how to defeat socialist infiltration, why movements fail, and the impact of political syndication, in addition to a brief course entitled ‘Introduction to Counter Political Insurgency Skills.’

“I am an ‘operator’ who organizes and carries out activities designed to produce predictable outcomes. I have no bias as a professional operator, save my love of God, country, and family,” Bolton attests.

Towns County Republican Chairwoman Betsy Young expressed concerns which mirrored Luca’s. “People say that it can’t happen here, but it is. The problem being that we live in such a Republican area that people don’t feel a need to get involved. They have no clue what’s coming down the pike,” Young said.

The seminar will be held on Sunday, Sept. 16*, at 2 pm, in the community room at Butternut Creek Golf Course in Blairsville.

Towns County GOP draws State candidates days before run-off election

HIAWASSEE, Ga. – Towns County Republican Party hosted an “Old-Fashion Rally and BBQ” on Hiawassee Town Square, the weekend prior to the state run-off election. Towns County GOP Chair Betsy Young organized and orchestrated the event, drawing Gubernatorial candidate Casey Cagle , and Secretary of State candidate David Belle Isle, to visit with constituents.

Towns County GOP Chair Betsy Young and County Commissioner Cliff Bradshaw review the day’s agenda

Georgia State Senator Josh McKoon spoke on behalf of Lieutenant Governor candidate David Shafer, and former State Representative Stephen Allison represented Gubernatorial candidate Brian Kemp. Kemp was unable to attend due to an engagement with U.S. Vice President Mike Pence in Macon, Georgia.

Towns County Sheriff Chris Clinton and his band rocked the Square

Vendors set up shop along Berrong Street, and K&K Killer Kue served smoked pork barbeque sandwiches to guests.

The Republican Party held a bake sale, and the President’s Team manned an information booth.

Radio host of EXtreme Carolina, Michael Levi Borkman, served as Master of Ceremony.

Former Towns County Republican Chair Mark Wolchko streamed music, leading up to the candidate “stumping”.

(L-R) Master of Ceremony Michael Levi Borkman and Secretary of State candidate David Belle Isle

Chris Clinton, who serves as Towns County Sheriff, and his band provided live entertainment.

Hiawassee Police Department chipped in, providing not only security, but supplying a needed tent and table for visitors.

Local resident Betty Phillips visits the President’s Team booth

Towns County Commissioner Cliff Bradshaw, staying throughout, and Hiawassee Mayor Liz Ordiales made a brief appearance at the event.

The State Run-Off Election takes place tomorrow, July 24. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Gubernatorial candidate Casey Cagle set to “stump” at July rally

HIAWASSEE, Ga. – Towns County Republican Party announced at their monthly meeting that Georgia gubernatorial candidate, Casey Cagle, accepted an invitation to attend an “Ole Fashion Rally” on Hiawassee Town Square, scheduled for Saturday, July 21, 2018. In addition, Cagle plans to ride in the Georgia Mountain Fair parade, which will immediately proceed the political rally. According to Towns County GOP Chair Betsy Young, gubernatorial candidate Brian Kemp was extended an invite as well, but declined, citing a prior obligation. Secretary of State candidate David Belle Isle may attend.

Towns County GOP states all are welcome, with hope the event will prove to be a positive experience for all who attend. Nine vendors have thus far committed, and Towns County Sheriff Chris Clinton will perform with his band. Michael Borkman, host of EXtreme Carolina and a Movers and Shakers moderator, will serve as Master of Ceremonies.

Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle

Pulled pork barbeque, homemade baked goods, and cold beverages will be available for purchase. The event will include candidate “stump speeches” and an elephant-calling contest. The rally takes place days before the July 24 run-off election.

Towns County GOP opened the June session with approval of the previous month’s minutes and financials, then set forth plans for the upcoming event. Keeping with the parade’s theme, “Hometown Pride,” the political party has chosen to enter a float celebrating the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds in the procession. The parade, which will travel west on Main Street, will begin at 11:00 a.m. with the rally following thereafter.

“We need to think of new ways of growing the (Towns County GOP) and having a float in the parade, along with the rally, will help visibility,” Young said.

Towns County GOP’s mission statement reads as follows: “Promoting political participation through education, loyalty, respect for each other’s opinions, and the unified support of the Party’s objectives and policies.”

For additional information on the Towns County GOP or upcoming rally, email Betsy Young at TCGOPChair@gmail.com

Old-Fashion GOP rally to coincide with Georgia Mountain Fair parade

HIAWASSEE, Ga. – Towns County Republican Party is seeking additional vendors and performers for its upcoming Old-Fashion GOP Rally and Bar-B-Q, scheduled to coincide with the opening of the Georgia Mountain Fair parade Saturday, July 21, 2018.

While the events are not related, they are set to take place on the same day.

“Hometown Pride” is the theme of this year’s Georgia Mountain Fair opening day parade. The parade will celebrate its 68th anniversary. Floats will trace their way down Main Street, along with antique cars, tractors, fire trucks, horses, and the Towns County High School marching band. First prize for best float is $2,500. A total of $4,500 in prizes will be awarded. The Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds has received 15 participant applications thus far and expects that number to increase as July approaches. Businesses and organizations who would like to take part are asked to contact Hilda Thomason, manager of the fairgrounds, at 706-896-4191.

Following the parade, Towns County GOP will host local and statewide political primary “through” candidates on Hiawassee Square.

“We want to organize a very positive event,” Towns County GOP Chairwoman Betsy Young told FetchYourNews. “It will be a day of contests, music, food, crafts, and candidates on the stump. A fun, old-fashion rally.”

Young said there will be an elephant-calling contest, and the Towns County GOP mascot, “Trumpet”, a large inflatable elephant, is sure to join the festivities.

Chris Clinton Band is scheduled perform, and several vendors have already signed up to participate in the event. Barbecue pulled pork, ice cold drinks, and homemade baked goods will be available for purchase.

Plenty of 10-by-10 foot spaces are still available for $20.00 per spot. Proceeds will benefit the Towns County Republican Party general fund.

Set-up begins at 8 a.m. with the rally beginning once the parade ends. The Georgia Mountain Fair parade is scheduled to begin at 11 a.m.

Those interested in participating as vendors or musicians at the political rally are asked to contact Betsy Young at TCGOPChair@gmail.com.

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